Menopausal Hot Flashes Try These
Hot flashes, sudden episodes of intense warmth, blushing and sweating, are one the most recognized hallmarks of menopause. And they make some people truly miserable. In the most severe cases, hot flashes can affect quality of life as they may cause sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression, says The North American Menopause Society. There are treatments for hot flashes, but many are not successful and/or come with bothersome side effects. Fortunately, some have found that Chinese herbs may help.
About 75% of people going through menopause will deal with hot flashes at some point. While hormone therapy and antidepressants are potential treatment options, they often come with unwanted side effects. This leads many to turn to alternative treatment options, such as Chinese herbs. But we wanted to know which herbs help with hot flashes best and what's the verdict on their efficacy?
Startling Facts About Hot Flashes
Often the subject of TV humor and self-deprecating jokes, hot flashes are anything but a laughing matter. They are hormonal, physiological and, in many cases, dreaded. Caused by decreasing levels of estrogen, hot flashes are identified by a sudden increase in body temperature that causes an increased heart rate, flushing, warmth, sweating and subsequently, chills.
For most people going through menopause, about 80%, hot flashes occur for around two years. However, some women experience them for much longer than that. In some women, symptoms even last for up to a decade or longer. Of course, we know that menopause is not all bad, and there are lots of resources for getting through this time with a powerful stride. But in the meantime, hot flashes just plain suck.
The Problem with Traditional Treatments
Hormone therapy is the most effective way to treat hot flashes, according to doctors, but this method has risks. Women who take hormones, particularly estrogen, have an increased risk of hip fracture, vaginal bleeding, incontinence, dementia, stroke, blood clots, heart attack and breast cancer.
Antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, paroxetine and fluoxetine, are marginally effective, but these too come with many unwanted side effects, including weight gain, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, nausea and dizziness. Other medications like anti-seizure and blood pressure meds offer relief for some reason. But, again, they have side effects.
Alternative Treatment Options
All of these risks leave many looking for other alternatives, and Chinese herbs are a popular choice. Approximately 80% of those going through this say they have used some sort of alternative treatment, such as Chinese herbs, for their hot flashes.
These herbs mimic the effects of estrogen within the body. The best part? Studies show that they are just as effective as hormone therapy. Herbal treatment options include:
- Bai shao (White Peony Root)
- Dang gui (Female Ginseng)
- Zhi mu
- Chai hu
- Huang quin (Chinese Skullcap)
- Yin yang huo (Horny Goat Weed)
It is believed that these herbs are effective because they contain phytoestrogens, which act similarly to estrogen in the body. Some people have also found success by giving up overt fats and turning to a plant-based diet, and others swear by giving up alcohol. We know. These don't always appeal, and it depends on the person as to how successful they may be, but there are options to help solve the problem and with fewer side-effects than medications or hormone replacements, and that's good news.
Hot flashes can vary in frequency and severity. When they’re mild, they may seem like a minor annoyance. When they’re severe, however, they can dramatically affect a person's sense of wellbeing. The good news is that there is help in a variety of forms, so the days of suffering in hot, sweaty silence, may soon be over.
Related Keywords
